U.S. Congress'
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform says the Bush administration has failed to follow more than 13,000 inspectors general recommendations since 2001.
An executive summary from the inspectors general [PDF] says following the recommendations could save taxpayers almost $26 billion.
Some examples:
- In April 2006, the Social Security Administration IG estimated that the agency could save more than $2 billion annually by ceasing payments to people who no longer meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits due to medical improvement or employment status.
- In July 2007, the Defense Department IG estimated that the Pentagon could recoup $837 million in overpayments by establishing effective recovery audits for military telecommunications contracts.
- In February 2007, the Department of Homeland Security IG concluded that FEMA could recover $16 million in excessive billings and questionable costs resulting from poor management of a contract for base camp services associated with Hurricane Katrina.
